Toronto VS Vancouver: Which Has the Best Nightlife?

Toronto and Vancouver are two entertaining, exciting cities. Each place has several pros and cons from the point of view of tourists and locals. Both cities are unquestionably beautiful and offer many opportunities for visitors and residents to experience the nature surrounding them. Each provides a lot of exciting economic prospects, is exciting to visit solo or with your family and friends, and offers shopping excursions that will please even the most dedicated shopaholic. Many people, mainly tourists, ask what the nightlife is like in each city. Which location has the best clubs, pubs, restaurants, and other after-dark entertainment? Let’s compare the two cities and find out.

A Tale of Two Cities

Here is a breakdown of some of the best nightlife (from restaurants, casinos, hotels, and cocktail spots to theater shows and live music) in each city based on research and my personal experiences.

Clubbing in Toronto

Toronto

Let’s begin with the first act of any nightlife experience: drinks at a bar before dinner, dancing, or a show. Drinks are a key part of the bar experience, and a bartender who has trained at a Canada bartending school can showcase their skills by mixing up unique drinks for customers to enjoy.

There is no shortage of bars and pubs to choose from in Toronto. Whether you like a sports bar, cocktail lounge, or something with a little more edge, you’ll be able to find it if you know where to look. If you’re visiting Toronto during the summer, taking advantage of the many rooftop bars in the city is a must because the views are spectacular. Kost is an excellent choice, as you can have a sip and a dip simultaneously: drinking at the bar gives you access to the stunning hotel pool at the Bisha Hotel.

The next act in a Toronto nightlife experience is sitting down to a delicious meal with a friend or partner. If you like a vibey environment, check out Petty Cash: a bar and restaurant combo where you can have light, simple meals and drinks and catch some live music. You could book a reservation at Richmond Station if you prefer a little dressier. Though “Top Chef Canada” competitor cooks here, the menu is concise, and there are no pretentious dishes: just excellent food, a wonderful ambiance, and skilled service.

Next, you’ll want to take in some kind of show. If you’re an appreciator of classic theater, find out what is playing at the Alexandra Theater, one of the oldest theaters in North America. Toronto has a vibrant and exciting drag scene: if that's more up your alley, check out a drag show at Crews and Tangos, where there’s a different performer every evening. Do you prefer stand-up comedy or live music? Pop into Drake Underground for standup, music, performance art, and dance.

The last act of a night on the town in Toronto will be some drinks and dancing at a nightclub. The Fifth Social is one of the best-known clubs in the city. You’ll find a rooftop bar, live music, delicious drinks, and bottle service waiting for you, but remember that there’s a dress code. Isabelles is another excellent choice to close out your night. The playlist usually features top 40, hip-hop, and R&B songs that get everyone dancing.

Vancouver

Let’s start, once again, at the beginning of an evening out. If you like exclusive experiences and a little out of the ordinary, your first stop should be The Narrow Lounge. A speakeasy is hidden underneath a furniture store, unmarked and discreet: look for the red light, which means the bar is open. If you’re in the Chinatown area, check out Keefer Bar. The mixologists at this swanky spot will have a drink that's your perfect match, no matter your preference.

Granville Street in downtown Vancouver with several large music halls and clubs is the hub for the city’s nightlife. This photo was taken on New Years Eve.

Next, you need to find a place to enjoy a sumptuous meal. For a delicious dinner and an incredible view, try Miku. This Japanese eatery utilizes the freshest local fish and produce (mainly sushi and sashimi) and enticing desserts. If a great burger is more your speed, visit Per Se Social Corner for what is (rated) one of the best burgers in the city.

Now comes the entertainment. The Biltmore Cabaret is half a century old and works hard to highlight the local music scene. It's an intimate venue, so buy tickets ahead of time if there's a show you want to attend. They show everything from burlesque performers to DJs, bands, and dance parties. Vancouver Theatresports on Granville Island is the way to go if you like entertainment with many laughs. There's also a bar overlooking lovely False Creek for snacks and drinks before the improv show starts.

If you’re up for the late shift, every nightlife lover should check out a couple of clubs. Levels has three exciting floors of dancing and LED lights waiting for you whenever you’re ready. World-traveling DJs play here, and VIP passes are available, along with a dedicated selfie wall. Gor-go-mish – despite sounding like a fairytale nightmare creature – is the best spot for the after-after party. Stop by if you love the best in techno and house and like staying out from 2 till 8 am, which is when this club closes for the “night.”

The Verdict

My choice? -- Not to choose! Both cities are incredible for several reasons, with nightlife being one of the biggest among them. If you like being out after dark, visiting either Toronto or Vancouver (or both) is a good call.